3PL

Unlocking Efficient Third-Party Logistics Solutions for Your Business

At Freight Connect Services, we specialise in providing flexible, technology-driven 3PL solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses across the UK. As a 3PL company, we act as a strategic partner, helping other companies optimise their supply chain and logistics functions through our expertise and integrated services. Our comprehensive services combine bonded warehousing , accurate pick and pack , integrated fulfilment, and reliable nationwide distribution. As an outsourced logistics provider, Freight Connect Services enables you to benefit from specialised logistics support, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs by outsourcing these functions to a dedicated specialist. Whether you are scaling your ecommerce operations, managing wholesale orders, or aiming to consolidate multiple logistics providers under a single accountable partner, our expert team is dedicated to streamlining your entire supply chain while ensuring compliance and maintaining your control.

Introduction to Logistics

Logistics drives your business success—we handle the planning, coordination, and execution that moves your goods, services, and information smoothly through your supply chain. Smart logistics operations keep you competitive, meet your customers’ expectations, and deliver real cost savings you can measure. When you partner with experienced third party logistics providers, you access specialised services that streamline your complex processes, freeing you to focus on what you do best. We make logistics outsourcing work for you—boosting efficiency, cutting operational costs, and driving customer satisfaction through timely, accurate deliveries that keep your customers coming back. As you work to optimise your supply chain, trusted third party logistics providers deliver the reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solutions your business needs to thrive.

What is 3PL —and Why It Matters Now

Third-party logistics, commonly known as 3PL, refers to the outsourcing of essential logistics functions such as storage, fulfilment, transportation, and related services to a specialist provider. By partnering with a third party logistics provider, companies gain access to enterprise-grade logistics capabilities without the fixed overhead costs associated with managing their own warehouses, staff, and systems—an approach known as in house logistics operations. This outsourcing approach allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of experienced logistics providers to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. 3PL providers also help businesses control and reduce shipping costs through route optimisation and volume discounts. Additionally, 3PL providers can enable faster delivery by strategically locating warehouses closer to customers, reducing transit times and improving customer satisfaction. In today’s fast-paced market, 3PL has become a critical component for companies aiming to optimise supply chain operations and improve customer satisfaction.

Inventory Management: The Backbone of Efficient Logistics

At our logistics centres, we make inventory management straightforward, precise, and fully optimised for your business needs. Our team handles everything from stock tracking to distribution coordination, utilising advanced warehouse management software that provides real-time visibility across all locations. With sophisticated systems and dedicated expertise, we keep your supply chain moving while reducing carrying costs and eliminating costly stockouts. We track every item, manage storage efficiently, and provide clear data so you always know exactly what’s available and where. If stock levels drop or demand spikes, we respond quickly—before it becomes a supply chain disruption. Whether you’re managing seasonal inventory, fast-moving consumer goods, or specialised products, we provide reliable solutions and responsive support. We coordinate with your suppliers and distribution networks daily, ensuring seamless operations with no surprises. Our goal is simple: get your inventory balanced right the first time, available when needed, and supported by data you can trust. Choose our inventory management services for expert logistics solutions—professional, reliable, and results-focused.

Order Fulfillment: From Click to Customer

Order fulfillment drives your logistics success—we make it fast, accurate, and seamless from order to delivery. Our team handles the complete fulfillment process: we receive and process your orders, pick and pack with precision, ship efficiently, and manage returns smoothly. When you partner with us, we streamline your workflows, eliminate errors, and accelerate delivery times—the key factors that boost customer satisfaction and build lasting brand loyalty. As online shopping explodes, efficient fulfillment separates winners from the rest in crowded markets. We bring proven expertise, cutting-edge technology, and scalable resources that meet today’s demanding customers. Our goal is simple: ensure a flawless experience from the moment an order hits your system to its arrival at your customer’s door.

Shipping and Costs: Optimising Your Bottom Line

We know shipping and transportation hit your logistics costs hard, which is why we focus on cost optimisation in these areas to protect your profitability. Our comprehensive suite of transportation services covers freight forwarding, trucking, and multi-modal shipping solutions—all designed to deliver real cost efficiencies and boost your supply chain performance. We leverage our buying power and deep industry expertise to secure competitive shipping rates for you, optimise your shipping methods, and cut those variable costs that add up fast. We also handle the complex shipping regulations and compliance requirements, so you avoid delays and unexpected expenses that can derail your budget. Our focus stays sharp on efficiency and cost control, empowering you to deliver products faster and more reliably while we protect your bottom line.

Reverse Logistics: Handling Returns with Ease

Reverse logistics drives real value in today’s supply chains—we handle your product returns, repairs, refurbishments, and recycling with precision and speed. Our specialised reverse logistics services streamline your returns process, cut costs, and keep your customers happy. When you partner with us, we efficiently manage your returns, process repairs or refurbishments, and handle restocking or disposal as needed—all while giving you complete visibility and control over your operations. We make returns hassle-free for your customers while helping you recover maximum value from returned goods and eliminate waste. With e-commerce pushing return rates higher every year, you need a robust reverse logistics strategy backed by our proven expertise to maintain operational efficiency and customer loyalty.

Our 3PL Services at a Glance

At Freight Connect Services, our 3PL services cover a wide spectrum designed to support diverse business needs:

Bonded Warehousing

We offer bonded warehousing solutions that enable the storage of imported goods under customs control, with specialised warehouse space available for temperature-sensitive, hazardous, or oversized items. This service improves cash flow by deferring duties and import VAT until the goods are released to the market or re-exported, providing businesses with valuable financial flexibility and cost optimisation.

WMS-Powered Fulfilment

Our warehouse management software (WMS) delivers real-time inventory visibility, batch and lot tracking, barcode accuracy, and real time updates on inventory and order status. We integrate seamlessly with popular ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, eBay, and major ERP systems, ensuring smooth order fulfilment and inventory management.

Pick, Pack & Kitting

Utilising optimised pick paths and smart packaging techniques, we provide kitting and assembly services alongside rigorous quality checks. Our efficient warehouse operations ensure accuracy and speed, reducing errors and damages, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

UK & International Distribution

We offer reliable distribution options ranging from economy to express services, covering pallet, parcel, and courier networks to guarantee dependable final-mile delivery.

Returns Management

Our returns process is fast and efficient, including grading, refurbishment, restocking, or disposal workflows designed to protect your profit margins.

Value-Added Services

Additional services such as FBA preparation, relabelling, palletisation, serial capture, bonded movements, and customs documentation support help you meet complex supply chain requirements with ease.

Our fulfilment centre is strategically located to optimise logistics operations, providing secure storage, efficient order fulfilment, and timely shipping. We handle receiving, inspecting, and packing products, ensuring your goods move smoothly through every stage of the supply chain.

Who Chooses Freight Connect Services as Their 3PL?

Our client base includes ecommerce brands, wholesalers, manufacturers, and importers across various sectors, supported by our large and established customer base, which enhances our industry expertise and ability to offer customised solutions. These sectors include consumer goods, electronics, apparel, health and beauty, and B2B spares, as well as handling certain goods that require specialised logistics solutions. We have expertise in managing certain products that require specialised storage or handling, such as temperature control, safety compliance, or size constraints, ensuring compliance and product integrity. These businesses select Freight Connect Services as their trusted third party logistics partner because we combine bonded storage capabilities, precise fulfilment operations, and transparent communication. Our agility allows us to scale quickly to accommodate product launches, seasonal peaks, or marketing campaigns, making us an ideal partner for companies seeking to enhance their supply chain operations.

UK-Specific Compliance & Cash-Flow Advantages

Operating as a UK-based logistics provider, Freight Connect Services designs solutions that help reduce landed costs and improve cash flow. Through the use of bonded warehousing (Internal link: /services/warehousing-uk), qualifying businesses can defer duty and import VAT payments, often enjoying an average credit period of around one month depending on declaration timing. This deferral enables companies to reinvest in inventory and drive growth. Our expert team also assists with tariff classification, customs documentation (Internal link: /services/customs-clearance-uk), and data accuracy to prevent costly delays and penalties, ensuring your supply chain remains compliant with UK regulations.

3PL vs 4PL — A Quick Clarification

It is important to distinguish between 3PL and 4PL services. A 3PL provider executes logistics operations such as warehousing, fulfilment, and transportation, and some logistics solutions can be handled by a single provider, such as transportation management or warehousing. In contrast, a 4PL acts as a higher-level integrator, coordinating multiple logistics providers and managing data across the entire supply chain. 4PLs are often referred to as lead logistics providers, serving as the primary point of contact for supply chain coordination and overseeing the selection and management of various 3PLs. If your business requires hands-on control and UK-specific compliance for logistics execution, a 3PL is typically the right choice. However, if you need to consolidate multiple global networks under a single strategic leader, a 4PL solution may be more appropriate.

Technology That Keeps You in Control

Freight Connect Services leverages advanced technology to keep you informed and in control of your logistics operations

Real-Time Inventory & Order Status

Access up-to-date information on stock levels, order progress, and service level agreements (SLAs) at a glance.

Marketplace & Cart Integrations

Our systems sync orders and tracking data with ecommerce platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, streamlining order fulfilment.

Actionable Data

Detailed reports on on-time dispatch, delivery performance (DIFOT), return reasons, and cost-to-serve help you identify opportunities to improve service quality and profitability.

Compliance by Design

We implement batch, lot, and serial number capture where required, maintain audit trails, and offer configurable user permissions to ensure regulatory compliance.

A Seamless 3PL Workflow with Freight Connect Services

Our streamlined 3PL process ensures efficiency and transparency at every stage

Onboarding & Data Mapping

We integrate your sales channels and define SLAs, packaging standards, carrier rules, and reporting requirements.

Inbound & Receiving

Goods are booked in, inspected, barcoded, and stored by SKU, batch, or serial number, ready for allocation.

Storage in Bonded or Free Circulation

Choose bonded storage for import goods to defer VAT and duty payments until release.

Order Capture & Allocation

Orders flow automatically from your sales channels, with rules applied for cut-off times, service levels, and carrier selection.

Pick, Pack & Quality Assurance

Optimised pick routes, scanning at each stage, and photographic evidence reduce errors and “Where Is My Order” (WISMO) inquiries. Our warehouse staff are responsible for accurately fulfilling orders and handling logistics tasks, including labelling and preparing goods for shipment.

Dispatch & Tracking

Shipping labels and manifests are generated automatically, and customers receive real-time tracking updates. Goods are shipped promptly, with the 3PL provider responsible for ensuring timely dispatch and delivery to your customers.

Billing Transparency

Receive detailed, itemised reports covering storage, handling, materials, and carriage, so you always understand your cost-to-serve.

Returns & Aftersales

Rapid returns processing includes grading, restocking, or disposal workflows to maintain stock health and protect margins.

Why Freight Connect Services?

Choosing Freight Connect Services as your 3PL partner offers numerous advantages

Bonded Expertise

We provide UK-specific knowledge to optimise cash flow and ensure compliant import processes.

Right-Sized, Agile Operations

Our scalable services grow with your business without unnecessary enterprise bloat.

Proactive Communications

You will always be informed about the status of your inventory and orders.

Carrier-Agnostic Options

We select service levels that match your customer promises, from economy parcel delivery to time-critical pallet shipments.

Data-Led Improvement

We share actionable insights to reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction continuously.

Industries We Serve

Our 3PL solutions cater to a wide range of industries, including

Ecommerce & D2C

Fast, accurate fulfilment with branded unboxing experiences, subscription management, and hassle-free returns.

Wholesale & B2B

Handling of cases, cartons, and pallets with advanced ASN/EDI capabilities and delivery booking services.

Manufacturing & Spares

Support for batch and lot tracking, kitting, and component availability to maintain operational uptime.

Health & Beauty / FMCG

Shelf-life control, lot traceability, and promotion handling to meet regulatory and market demands.

Service Levels & KPIs We Commit To

We establish clear service level agreements (SLAs) during onboarding to align with your business objectives. Typical targets include same-day dispatch for orders received before cut-off times, pick accuracy rates exceeding 99%, and on-time carrier handover. Monthly performance reports and review meetings ensure continuous alignment and improvement.

Ready to Simplify Your Logistics?

Whether you are consolidating multiple providers or outsourcing your logistics operations for the first time, Freight Connect Services can tailor a 3PL plan that reduces costs, safeguards compliance, and enhances the customer experience. Reach out to us today via email at info@freightcservices.com or use our contact form to request a callback. Let us help you streamline your supply chain and focus on growing your business with confidence.